Don’t be fooled by those ‘God’ men

THE article in POST by Professor Brij Maharaj, “God men and prophets prey on the vulnerable as states fail the poor”, is a stark but real reminder that the fantasy world of religion has consumed many to the point of utter stupidity.

Whichever way we slant in terms of religion and godliness, the living reality is that it stokes mere solace in us in the acceptance and reverence of a Superior Being.

Without contesting people’s belief systems which is an inalienable right, I agree fully with Maharaj that this concept of god men (and women) is a heresy to those that believe.

The only reality we know is the one we exist in. The Hereafter and all its accompanying hullabaloo are at best imaginary. No person from the beyond has ever presented with any empirical evidence that such utopia exists.

Therefore, to anyone succumbing to men and women who lay claim to having panaceas for our ills, these are mere charlatans making capital on the woes of people. It is understandable that when the trials and tribulations of life get to people, then any possible help to alleviate the distress will be sought.

But it is my firm contention that no man or women can lay claim to cure one’s “problems” in the name of God.

Religion in today’s world is simply about money.

Let us be realistic that the many nescient among us have have at some point been victims of the conscionable need to contribute to some or other “religious” event.

Whether we do it as a genuine belief or as a matter of guilt, it eventually boils down to the individual’s perspective and influence.

God men, “temple aunties”, palm readers, tarot card readers and those purporting to “see the future” are nothing more than mendicants preying on the vulnerable in their moments of weakness so as to temporarily satisfy and pacify the potential victim – by administering false hope.

Life will meander along, punctuated by the various vicissitudes that present themselves, but any mischievous intonation by anyone claiming inordinate superior powers is nothing more than a bluff.

So the next time you believe you are in crisis or believe you have reached the nadir of your despair, take heart that tomorrow will be a better day and that there will be light at the end of the tunnel – eventually – even without the God men!

NARENDH GANESH

Durban North